Cargo system

ABSTRACT

A cargo system includes a plurality of rigidly connected compartments adapted to mount on the roof of a vehicle. The plurality of compartments includes a first compartment suitable for mounting a retractable awning and a second compartment suitable for storing cargo. The first and second compartments each include a flooring and a sidewall wherein the first compartment is rigidly connected to the second compartment by at least one of the flooring and the sidewall. One of the plurality of compartments includes a liquid container, at least a portion of the container being suspended in the compartment. The liquid container includes a tube suitable for passing liquid that emerges from the cargo system. In addition, a light assembly is operatively associated with the cargo system. The light assembly includes an electrical conductor suitable for providing power to the light assembly, the conductor emerging from the cargo system.

This is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/800,724filed Mar. 16, 2004, currently pending. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cargo system that mounts on the roofof a vehicle and stores cargo and a retractable awning.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To ensure a pleasurable trip in a vehicle it is desirable to keeppassenger space relatively uncluttered with suitcases containingclothing or boxes containing food, herein cargo. While binding cargo toa rack attached to the vehicle roof reduces passenger compartmentclutter, the binding may loosen at highway speeds, resulting in cargospillage, a significant highway hazard. Further, cargo improperly loadedon the rack increases vehicle wind resistance and, particularly in heavycrosswinds, may contribute to vehicle instability and road accidents.

Roof-mounted containers that at least partially enclose cargo in anaerodynamically efficient manner, herein cargo containers, allow vehiclestability and safe transport of cargo while reducing passengercompartment clutter. As used herein an aerodynamically efficient cargocontainer refers to a container designed to reduce wind resistance whilethe vehicle is in motion, for example having curved and/or slantedportions.

A cargo container provided in conjunction with a utility item that canbe used on the trip, for example a spotlight to aid in unloading thecargo at night, is known. Thule Company at Internet addresswww.thule.com shows a cargo container and light assembly that mountseparately on the vehicle roof but, because the container and light arenot joined, they fail to use the roof space efficiently.

Another desirable utility item for use on a trip is an awning thatextends from a housing when the vehicle is parked, providing shade fromthe sun or protection against rain. Baka, G. J., in U.S. Pat. No.5,558,145, teaches a roof-mountable awning that stores in the vehicleduring transport, thereby increasing vehicle clutter. If the awning weresuitably secured to the roof for transport, it would prevent thesimultaneous attachment of a roof-mounted cargo container, resulting incargo storage in the vehicle and passenger compartment clutter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a cargocontainer includes a plurality of rigidly connected compartments, hereina cargo system, adapted to mount on a roof of a vehicle, thecompartments including one first compartment suitable for mounting aretractable awning and one second compartment suitable for storingcargo. As used herein, rigidly connected compartments refer to two ormore compartments that are connected to one another by one or morerelatively rigid components of the respective compartments, for examplea sidewall of a first compartment to a sidewall of a second compartmentor a flooring of a first compartment to a flooring of a secondcompartment.

In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a cargo systemincludes a first compartment having a liquid container suspendedtherein, the space around the suspended container serving to insulateliquid in the container from the environmental temperature external tothe cargo system. In an exemplary embodiment the liquid containerincludes a first tube suitable for putting liquid into the containerand, optionally, a second tube suitable for dispensing liquid from thecontainer, the first and second tubes emerging from the cargo system toallow access to the container from outside the cargo system. In anexemplary embodiment the cargo system includes a second compartmentrigidly attached to the first compartment.

Optionally, a relatively rigid access panel is operatively associatedthe first and/or second compartments to protect the cargo containedtherein. In an exemplary embodiment, the first compartment is spaced adistance from the second compartment, thereby defining a thirdcompartment there between. The third compartment, for example, suitablefor carrying suitcases.

Optionally, the cargo system includes one light assembly operativelyassociated with one of the first, second and third compartments, thelight assembly providing light external to and/or internal to the cargosystem compartments. In an exemplary embodiment the lighting systemincludes an electrical conductor that emerges from the cargo system sothat the lighting system can be easily connected to an external powersource.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary non-limiting embodiments of the invention are described in thefollowing description, read with reference to the figures attachedhereto. In the figures, identical and similar structures, elements orparts thereof that appear in more than one figure are generally labeledwith the same or similar references in the figures in which they appear.Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosenprimarily for convenience and clarity of presentation and are notnecessarily to scale. The attached figures are:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a cargo system mounted on a vehicle, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the cargo system of FIG. 1, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is an internal perspective view of the cargo system of FIG. 1, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Cargo System Overview

FIGS. 1 and 2 are top and exploded views, respectively, of a cargosystem 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Cargosystem 100 is adapted to mount on a roof 182 of a vehicle 180 andincludes cargo compartments 122 and an awning compartment 124 eachhaving relatively rigid floorings 196 and relatively rigid sidewalls108. In an exemplary embodiment, compartments 120 and 122 and arerigidly connected to each other, for example by respective floorings 196and/or one or more sidewalls 108.

In an exemplary embodiment, relatively rigid access panels 170, shown inthe open position in FIG. 3, are movably attached with hinges 178 tosidewalls 108 and/or floorings 196 of compartments 122 and 124. Accesspanels 170 typically include latches 192 to maintain access panels 170closed with respect to their respective compartments 122 and 124.Optionally, each latch 192 includes a lock, for example, to preventcargo theft and/or a lock receptacle (not shown), suitable to receive alock, for example a hasp lock.

Compartments 122 are typically spaced a distance from compartment 124 todefine a cargo storage compartment 120 suitable for storing cargo, thecargo being taller than sidewalls 108, for example suitcases. In anexemplary embodiment, cargo system 100 is designed for aerodynamicefficiency for example with compartments 120, 122 and 124 and theirrespective access panels 170 being of a shape and/or height that reduceswind resistance while vehicle 180 is in motion.

In an exemplary embodiment, cargo system 100 is attached to roof 182,for example using mountings and/or bolts (not shown) that project fromcompartments 120, 122 and/or 124 and attach to roof 182. Alternativelyor additionally, cargo system 100 is strapped to roof 182 using abinding system of straps, rope, clips (not shown) and/or any of the manyknown suitable binding systems.

In an exemplary embodiment, flooring 196 includes spacer legs 142 thatprovide a space between cargo system 100 and vehicle roof 182 therebypreventing cargo system 100 from damaging roof 182. Spacer legs 142 aretypically manufactured from a shock absorbent rubber to reduce noisethat may occur as a result of relative motion between system 100 androof 182.

Defined Cargo Compartment

In an exemplarity embodiment, defined cargo compartment 120 includes oneor more cord receivers 188 that receive cord (not shown) to secure cargoin defined storage compartment 120. To prevent damage to flooring 196 bycargo stored in compartment 120, compartment 120 includes a protectionstrip 106 comprising rubber strips attached to flooring 196 or a raisedportion of flooring 196. To allow drainage of water, for examplerainwater that collects in compartment 120, flooring 196 has one or moredrains 148, thereby allowing water to drain through drains 148 and passthrough the space created by spacer legs 142 between floor 196 and roof182. Additionally or alternatively, flooring 196 may be fashioned from amesh or material having multiple perforations for drainage purposes.

In an alternative embodiment, flooring 196 is present under compartments120 and 124, but absent from compartment 120, so that cargo stored incompartment 120 is mounted on roof 182 and surrounded by sidewalls 108.In the absence of flooring, roof 182 is provided with protection strips(not shown) to protect roof 182 from damage by cargo stored incompartment 120.

As shown in FIG. 2, cargo compartment 120 includes an optional cover 202having grommets 288 that attach to hooks 290 along sidewall 108 therebykeeping compartment 120 free of dirt, rain and snow. Alternatively,cover 202 is attached to container 100 with appropriately placed snaps,clips or Velcro (not shown). In one embodiment, covering 202 comprisesan elastic material that covers cargo contained below sidewalls 108 andstretches appropriately to cover cargo that protrudes above sidewalls108.

Awning

FIG. 2 shows an awning 130 attached to a roller assembly 154 at a firstend thereof and to a header bar 140 at a second end thereof. FIG. 1shows awning 130 in use, extending out of an awning housing 124 withheader bar 140 mounted on upright poles 138 so that awning 130 providesshade from the sun or protection against rain. Roller assembly 154 istypically spring-loaded in order to maintain tautness in awning 130 inthe extended out position from between an access panel 194 and a basepanel 190. Access panel 194 is typically connected to sidewall 108and/or flooring 196 with hinges 178 so that panel 194 swings open toallow access to awning compartment 124.

When not in use, awning 130 retracts into housing 124 and multiplesections 128 of upright poles 138 disconnect, telescope and/or fold forstorage in compartments 120, 122 and/or 124. Alternatively oradditionally, while vehicle 180 is in motion, awning 130 extends overcargo container 100 to cover compartment 120 and attaches with grommets292 to hooks 290 around compartment 120. Roller assembly 154 maintainstautness in awning 130 while covering compartment 120 having cargocontained below sidewalls 108 or cargo that protrudes above sidewalls108.

Liquid Container

In an exemplary embodiment, compartment 124 includes a liquid container150 having a suspended portion 158 with respect to compartment 124, thespace around portion 158 serving to insulate liquid stored in container150 from changes in temperature that occur in the environment externalto container 100. Alternatively or additionally, container 150 includesinsulating material (not shown) that at least partially surroundscontainer 150.

In an exemplary embodiment, container 150 has a connecting portion 166that connects to compartment 124 and a filling tube 160 through whichcontainer 150 is filled with liquid. In the illustrated embodiment, tube160 includes a cap 152 to prevent spillage and/or contamination ofliquid contained in container 150. Filling tube 160 typically emergesfrom access panel 194 through a filling tube opening 254, allowing anoperator to fill container 150 without opening compartment 124.

To dispense liquid from container 150, container 150 is provided with adispenser tube 156 having a flow control 164. Dispenser tube 156 andflow control 164 typically emerge from access panel 194 through adispenser tube opening 256, allowing an operator to dispense liquid fromcontainer 150 without opening compartment 124. While container 150 isshown associated with compartment 124, container 150 additionally oralternatively, is associated with compartments 120, 122 and/or 124.Optionally container 150 is a bag or bladder having a flexible wallallowing it to have a variable internal volume. As bag container 150 isemptied of liquid, it collapses, thus taking up less room incompartments 120, 122 and/or 124.

Light Assemblies

In an exemplary embodiment, cargo system 100 includes cornercompartments 134 each having a corner access panel 136 moveably attachedthereto with hinge 174. Access panel 136 typically includes a latch 162to keep access panel 136 in the closed position. Corner compartments 134include light assemblies 132 that illuminate an area external to cargosystem 100, for example to aid in unloading cargo at night. Lightassemblies 132 optionally are mounted on cargo system 100 in a mannerthat allows assemblies 132 to swivel with respect to cargo system 100,thereby illuminating different areas around cargo system 100 for exampleto aid in locating a vacation site.

In an exemplary embodiment, light assemblies 132 are additionallyincluded in compartments 120, 122 and/or 124 and are designed to providelight internal to and/or external to compartment 134, 120, 122 and/or124. Light assemblies 132 include one or more illuminating sources, forexample incandescent bulbs and/or halogen bulbs and optionally includeone or more signal lights that flash a hazard signal that can beobserved a distance from cargo system 100.

Power to light assemblies 132 is provided through a power receptacle 176located on an external surface 112 of cargo system 100 to which lightassemblies 132 are connected. An electrical conductor 144, for example awire, connects power receptacle 176 to a power source (not shown), forexample inside vehicle 180. Alternatively or additionally, a solar panel(not shown) located on external surface 112, provides power to lightassemblies 132 via conductor 144.

Cargo System Dimensions

In an exemplary embodiment, cargo system 100 is manufactured with alength and width that readily fits on roof 182. Cargo system 100, forexample, has a length of 2.2 meters, and a width of 1.2 meters.Alternatively or additionally, cargo system 100 is manufactured withmore elongate and/or wider dimensions for a passenger van having largersized roof 182 or shorter and/or narrower dimensions for a vehiclehaving smaller sized roof 182. Alternatively or additionally, cargosystem 100 is manufactured with larger dimensions for use, for example,on the roof of a mid-sized camping vehicle and/or a full-sizedrecreational vehicle roof, for example, built on a bus chassis.

In an exemplary embodiment, cargo system 100 is manufactured with aheight dimension of 20 centimeters, allowing ample room for storage ofawning 130 and suspension of container 150 in compartment 124.Additionally or alternatively cargo system 100 is manufactured with aheight of less than 20 centimeters, for example when compartment 124 iscontains either awning 130 or container 150 but not both awning 130 andcontainer 150. Additionally or alternatively cargo system 100 ismanufactured with a height greater than 20 centimeters, for example toaccommodate cargo stored in addition to awning 130 and container 150 incompartment 124.

The present invention has been described using non-limiting detaileddescriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of exampleand are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should beunderstood that features and/or steps described with respect to oneembodiment may be used with other embodiments and that not allembodiments of the invention have all of the features and/or steps shownin a particular figure or described with respect to one of theembodiments. Variations of embodiments described will occur to personsof the art.

Furthermore, the terms “include”, “comprise,” “have” and theirconjugates, shall mean, when used in the disclosure and/or claims,“comprising but not necessarily limited to.”

It is noted that some of the above described embodiments may describethe best mode contemplated by the inventors and therefore may comprisestructure, acts or details of structures and acts that may not beessential to the invention and which are described as examples.Structure and acts described herein are replaceable by equivalents,which perform the same function, even if the structure or acts aredifferent, as known in the art.

Therefore, the scope of the invention is limited only by the elementsand limitations as used in the claims.

1. A cargo system, comprising: a plurality of rigidly connectedcompartments adapted to mount on the roof of a vehicle, said pluralityof compartments including: a first compartment suitable for mounting aretractable awning therein; and a second compartment suitable forstoring cargo.
 2. The cargo system of claim 1, further comprising aflooring, said first and second compartments being rigidly connected viasaid flooring.
 3. The cargo system of claim 1 further comprising anaccess panel operatively associated with one of said plurality ofcompartments.
 4. The cargo system of claim 1 wherein one of saidplurality of compartments further includes a liquid container.
 5. Thecargo system of claim 1, wherein said first compartment is spaced adistance from said second compartment, thereby defining a thirdcompartment therebetween.
 6. The cargo system of claim 5 furthercomprising a light assembly operatively associated with one of saidfirst, second and third compartments.
 7. The cargo system of claim 6wherein said light assembly further includes an electrical conductorsuitable for providing power to said light assembly, said conductoremerging from the cargo system.
 8. A cargo system adapted to mount on avehicle roof, the cargo system comprising a first compartment includinga liquid container having two portions: a first container portionconnected to said first compartment; and a second container portionsuspended within said first compartment.
 9. The cargo system of claim 8including a second compartment rigidly attached to said firstcompartment.
 10. The cargo system of claim 9 further comprising a lightassembly operatively associated with one of said first and secondcompartments.
 11. The cargo system of claim 10 wherein said lightassembly further includes an electrical conductor suitable for providingpower to said light assembly, said conductor emerging from the cargosystem.
 12. The cargo system of claim 9 wherein one of said first andsecond compartments is adapted for mounting a retractable awningtherein.
 13. The cargo system of claim 9, wherein said first compartmentis spaced a distance from said second compartment, thereby defining athird compartment therebetween.
 14. A cargo system, comprising: aplurality of rigidly connected compartments adapted to mount on the roofof a vehicle, said plurality of compartments including: a firstcompartment suitable for mounting a retractable awning therein; and aliquid container.